The day before Stefan Zeestraten was killed in a car crash – he was making furniture in preparation for his daughter’s arrival in three weeks but now his partner, Gemma Nicholson, must face parenthood for the first time alone.

Heartfelt tributes are flowing on a memorial Facebook page dedicated to the 24-year-old New Zealand dairy farmer with many expressing condolences to his devastated partner of four years.

Mr Zeestraten’s friend Grant Jackson said the Winton community, who farewelled Mr Zeestraten at a service today, was in deep shock at the loss of the first-time expectant father who had everything ahead of him.

Stefan Zeestraten (left), who was looking forward to the arrival of his first child in three weeks with Gemma Nicholson (right), was killed when his lost control of his ute on Monday

Gemma Nicholson (left) and Stefan Zeestraten (right) were looking forward to being parents for the first time

Mr Zeestraten's friend Grant Jackson said the Winton community was in deep shock at the loss of the first time expectant father who had everything ahead of him

‘He was at a turning point in his life, he was three weeks away from becoming a dad and he was really looking forward to that,’ he told stuff.co.nz. ‘In fact the day before we lost him he spent the day putting together children's furniture for the upcoming arrival.’

Mr Zeestraten left early from a barbecue at his cousin's house in Winton on Monday after feeling unwell and began his short 2km trip in his four-wheel-drive Toyota Land Cruiser when he hit a power pole at about midnight.

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Mr Jackson said although it was unknown what caused the crash, his family and friends could guarantee it was not an alcohol – related incident.

‘One thing you can speculate is that it was because of black ice, it was one of the best frosts in Southland this winter that night, but there was no way alcohol was involved because Stefan wasn't drinking because he felt that crook,’ he said.

He described the successful farm manager, whose family emigrated to New Zealand almost 17 years ago from Holland, as mature beyond his years.

‘He never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Even if we tried to think of anything negative about Stefan, we can't, he's just one of those guys who is that perfect,’ he said.

'Even if we tried to think of anything negative about Stefan, we can't, he's just one of those guys who is that perfect,' his friend Grant Jackson says

The memorial Facebook page shows an outpouring of love for Mr Zeestraten

Gemma Nicholson (left), pictured with Stefan Zeestraten (right), will now face first time parenthood on her own

Mr Zeestraten left early from a barbecue at his cousin's house in Winton on Monday after feeling unwell and began his short 2km trip in his four-wheel-drive Toyota Land Cruiser when he hit a power pole at midnight

Similar sentiments were expressed on the Facebook page dedicated to Mr Zeestraten who was farewelled at a memorial service today.

‘Beautiful service for a beautiful man . Your family showed strength and dignity on an incredibly difficult day. R.I.P’ Bernie Palmer-Manley commented.

‘Good send off bro untill next time,’ Robert Leary posted. ‘R.I.P you will be missed.’

While Michael Todd described Mr Zeestraten as a ‘beautiful young man and gentleman’.

‘RIP my good friend. My thoughts are with your family and friends.’

Mr Zeestraten (left) and Ms Nicholson (right) were together for four years

Family speculate that Mr Zeestraten could have lost control of the ute on Limehills-Browns Rd, north of Winton (pictured) due to the icy conditions

Mr Zeestraten only had to travel 2km from his cousins house - north of Winton (pictured) - to go home